As I promised a looong time ago (348.2 hours) here is my review of Monster retreads. When I installed them I immediately saw that the tread was deeper than on normal 500X5 tires. It also is apparently a harder rubber compound based on the amount of wear I was able to get out of them. I just replaced the tires this week with 348.2 hrs. and 392 landings, all on a hard runway. I would still be able to get probably at least 30 more landings with no trouble but it is conditional inspection time so I decided to change them out. I did swap the tires (Left to Right, Right to Left) at around 100 hours ago so as to get the maximum wear, especially out of the tire that was on the left wheel for 240 hours. (The outside of the tread was well worn). The most I had ever gotten out of new tread tires of all kinds until the retreads was about 150 hours. I'm pleasantly amazed and would recommend these as replacements for anyone.

I agree. These tires have been great for me as well.
They are much heavy then the standard tire. The rubber compound is definitely more dense.
As Bob said, be aware of the wheel pant clearance as I had to open up for clearance even on the new style wheel pant.

A few years back, a Desser guy at OSH told me that the Michelin AS tubes used to be the leader of the pack when most others were using rubber tubes, not the buna N or whatever it is that all manufacturers use now. He maintained all tubes are about the same now--except for price.

I need tires and a friend at my field suggested the Dresser retreads to me yesterday. He has them on his 6A.

I'm very new so please forgive my ignorance. A few questions.

1. When replacing tires is it advisable to put in new tubes as well?

2. How about the Michelin Airstop tubes (cost more than the tires)?

3. I see them advertising a wheel balancer gizmo. I suppose I'll need to use one of those too?

Obviously a good time to repack the wheel bearings and take a good look at the brakes. Now to find some jacks and someone with some experience and time to guide me through this.

Sorry for the drift. Thank you for the timely review.

1. MOST recommend changing the tubes with tires. In practice, my tubes have been replaced once in almost 3,000 hours over 17.5-years. I use Michelin Airstop tubes. Original tubes needed air added every 30-days. Michelin Airstop tubes get air every year.

2. IMHO, the AirStop tubes are worth the money.

3. Wheel balancer? After almost 3,000 hours and 17.5 years, I have never used one on an aircraft tire / wheel. I have used Wilkerson retreads and or new Goodyear tires. Have a set of Dresser retreads on the shelf.

__________________Gary A. Sobek
NC25 RV-6 Flying
3,300+ hoursWhere is N157GSBuilding RV-8 S/N: 80012To most people, the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation, the sky is home.

. I did swap the tires (Left to Right, Right to Left) at around 100 hours ago so as to get the maximum wear, especially out of the tire that was on the left wheel for 240 hours. (The outside of the tread was well worn). .

Don't swap sides...it doesn't really accomplish anything.

Flip the tire on the same side so that the treads that were on the outside are now on the inside when you see the outer treads getting noticeably less than the inner ones.

Ive also experienced great service from my monster retreads. I've run them on the Hiperbipe, RV-8 and now the Rocket has a set. Good stuff.

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